TOOL

Work-Hour Calculator

Pick your visa, term, and Korean requirement to instantly see how many hours per week you may legally work.

Choose your options on the left and press Calculate to see your allowed hours here.
Working without first obtaining a part-time work permit is illegal even within these hours. Be sure to get the permit first.
This calculator is for reference only. Actual visa screening may differ.

Why work-hour limits matter

Overworking or working without a permit directly affects your visa

Because study comes first for students (D-2/D-4), your working hours are set by law. Working without a permit or beyond the limit can lead to fines, a denied visa extension, or even deportation if caught. Follow the rules, and you can legally support your living costs while building a clean record that helps with the E-7 work visa after graduation.

Allowed hours by visa and term at a glance

The table below assumes you meet the Korean requirement. If not, you are limited to 10 hrs/week (undergrad) or 15 hrs/week (grad) in both semester and vacation.

CategorySemester (weekdays)Weekend & vacation
Associate/Bachelor (D-2-1·2)25 hrs/wk (30 at certified univ.)No limit
Master/Doctorate (D-2-3·4)30 hrs/wk (35 at certified univ.)No limit
Language training (D-4)Separate rules — confirm with your institute and immigration office

What is the "Korean requirement"?

To be allowed more part-time hours, you need a certain level of Korean and grades. You can still work without meeting it, but your hours drop to less than half.

Requirement (general)
  • Undergrad years 1–2: TOPIK level 3+
  • Undergrad year 3+: TOPIK level 4+
  • Grad (MA/PhD): TOPIK level 4+
  • Keep a GPA of C or higher last semester

Part-time work permit — 4 steps before you start

1

Find the job first

You can apply only once the employer, job type, and hours are set. Some sectors (entertainment, gambling, etc.) are banned.

2

Get your office’s confirmation

Get a part-time recommendation/confirmation from your professor or international office — a check that work won’t disrupt study.

3

Apply via HiKorea or immigration

With a standard labor contract, business registration, and the confirmation, apply on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or at your local immigration office.

4

Start work after approval

Work only within the job type and hours on your permit. If you change jobs, you must get a new permit.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Even one day of work without prior permission counts as unauthorized (illegal) work. If caught, you face fines and a weaker position at your next visa extension/change. Always get the permit first.

Hours from all workplaces are added together against your limit, not counted separately. Keep the combined total within your weekly cap. Each additional job also needs its own permit.

If you meet the Korean requirement, there is no weekly cap on weekends and vacation. You must still keep to the job type and workplace on your permit; if you do not meet the requirement, the limit stays at 10 hrs (undergrad)/15 hrs (grad) even in vacation.